Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be a messy one—especially for your beloved sofa. Between indulgent Christmas dinners, mulled wine, and kids (or adults!) sneaking mince pies onto the couch, stains are almost inevitable. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s our Sofa Club-approved guide to tackling Christmas food and wine stains so you can keep your sofa looking its best throughout the festive season.

Quick Action is Key

The faster you act, the easier it is to remove stains. Once you notice a spill, resist the urge to panic. Grab a clean cloth or paper towel and gently blot the area. Blotting helps absorb the liquid before it sets into the fabric. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers and make it harder to remove.

How to Handle Common Christmas Sofa Stains

1. Red Wine

Red wine is the ultimate Christmas indulgence, but it’s also one of the most feared stains. Here’s what to do:

• Step 1: Blot the stain immediately with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
• Step 2: Mix one part white vinegar, one part dishwashing liquid, and two parts lukewarm water.
• Step 3: Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently dab the stain. Continue blotting until the stain lifts.
• Step 4: Once the stain is gone, use a fresh damp cloth to rinse the area, then blot dry.

Pro Tip: If you’ve got salt on hand, sprinkle it over the fresh wine spill to absorb the liquid. Let it sit for a few minutes before blotting and cleaning as above.

2. Gravy or Grease

Christmas dinner wouldn’t be complete without rich, hearty gravy. Unfortunately, greasy spills are a common risk. Here’s how to tackle them:

• Step 1: Gently scrape off any excess gravy with a spoon (careful not to spread it!).
• Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the stain to absorb the grease. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then vacuum it up.
• Step 3: Mix a mild dish soap with warm water and apply the solution to the stain using a clean cloth. Blot gently until the grease lifts.
• Step 4: Rinse with a damp cloth and pat dry.

3. Chocolate

From advent calendars to chocolate logs, this sweet treat often ends up on the sofa. Don’t fret—it’s easier to remove than you might think.

• Step 1: Let the chocolate harden (you can speed this up by placing an ice pack over it). Once hardened, gently scrape it off with a blunt knife or spoon.
• Step 2: Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water and dab the stain with a cloth. Avoid soaking the fabric.
• Step 3: Rinse with a damp cloth and blot dry.

4. Cranberry Sauce

This tangy Christmas staple leaves a bright stain that can seem intimidating, but it’s manageable with the right approach:

• Step 1: Blot up as much of the sauce as possible using a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Step 2: Combine one tablespoon of white vinegar, one tablespoon of dish soap, and two cups of cool water.
• Step 3: Dab the mixture onto the stain using a clean cloth, working from the edges toward the center to prevent spreading.
• Step 4: Rinse with cool water and blot dry.

General Tips for Sofa Stain Removal

• Test First: Before applying any cleaning solution, test it on an inconspicuous area of your sofa to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.
• Avoid Over-wetting: Too much water can damage your sofa’s fabric or leave water stains. Use small amounts of cleaning solution and blot dry thoroughly.
• Call the Professionals: For delicate fabrics like velvet or persistent stains that won’t budge, it’s best to consult a professional upholstery cleaner.

Preventing Future Stains

To keep your sofa party-ready throughout the season, consider these preventative measures:

• Use Sofa Covers or Throws: A festive throw not only adds a cozy, Christmas vibe to your living room but also protects your sofa from spills and crumbs.
• Set Up a “No Food Zone”: Encourage guests to enjoy their treats at the dining table rather than on the sofa.
• Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy: Having a stain-removal kit at the ready means you can tackle accidents right away.

BE SAFE, NOT SORRY!

No matter how careful you are, accidents will happen - so we suggest you be prepared. You can add a care plan anytime from when you place your order to 14 days after your delivery. If you would like to enjoy the next 5 years worry free, just add a care plan to your order at the checkout or contact us to add it on.

All of our 5 Year Platinum Care Plans include a £50 cleaning kit for you to keep your sofa refreshed, however if there's an accident you can't clean, then your plan will take care of it.